Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Brighton electorate

James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:44): (804) My question is to the Premier, and I ask: when will the state Labor government address the collapsed drain on Hampton beach? The Bayside community is fortunate to be custodians of a unique natural environment, including roughly 7 kilometres of Port Phillip Bay foreshore. We believe the environment must be preserved so that it can be enjoyed and passed on to our children. My community knows the state Labor government’s record of neglecting that foreshore. Labor closed the Middle Brighton Pier until it was shamed into funding basic safety upgrades, tried to illegally charge bathing box owners land tax and had a secret plan to get rid of the boxes. The Hampton open drain opposite Orlando Street in Hampton has collapsed, and the government has refused to fix it. The site is extremely environmentally damaging, with drain water pooling on the beach. It is unsafe for thousands of passers-by each day. All Labor has done is erect cheap tape. The minister is yet to even acknowledge community representations. Premier, Labor needs to stop ignoring this dangerous issue.